Why Do Kittens Blink With One Eye?

by Dave Donovan

Cats often use their eyes to communicate with other cats and pets.

One look into your little kitten's face can turn a lousy day into a better one, and when he gives you a little wink, your heart just melts. But, if you watch closely, you'll find that your kitten blinks with just one eye quite a lot.

Kitty Kisses

When your precious little kitty blinks at you, he just gave you what many cat lovers call a "kitty kiss." Blinking with one eye is often a sign that your kitty is happy, content and relaxed being in your presence.

Non-Verbal Communications

Kittens and cats that stare at others of their kind do so when they are feeling threatened, aggressive or hostile. But when cats blink at each other, they are giving each other a sign that they are coming in peace and that their intentions are friendly. A one-eyed blink is considered to be akin to a handshake or a hug.

The Casual Blinker

Felines have a third eyelid, or a nictitating membrane, that closes from the side when he blinks. This membrane reduces your cat's need to blink as often because his eyes don't dry out as quickly. Since kittens and cats blink almost casually, one eye may become drier than the other and therefore, your kitten will only blink the eye that needs to be moisturized.

Trauma

If you notice your kitten is blinking one eye more frequently than the other, or he has an eye that is leaking discharge, then he may have suffered a scratch or some other type of trauma in that eye. If the problem persists, then you should take him to his veterinarian to have his eye checked.

References

About the Author

Based in Atco, NJ, Dave Donovan has been a full-time writer for over five years. His articles are featured on hundreds of websites, and have landed him in two nationally published books "If I Had a Hammer: More Than 100 Easy Fixes and Weekend Projects" by Andrea Ridout and "How to Cheat at Home Repair" by Jeff Brendenberg.